White Bird
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
R. J. Palacio’s Wonder was a quietly beautiful story that went on to become a box office hit. It captured and made a statement on rising above your circumstances and facing adversity. His follow-up was a graphic novel that serves as a prequel and sequel to Auggie’s journey, which involves one of his former tormentors, Julian Albans (Bryce Gheisar).
As he tries to make his way since being expelled from Beecher Prep, Julian attempts to make his way at his new school by keeping his head down and keeping the peace. Until he is confronted by Grandmère Sara (Helen Mirren), who has her own story about standing up for what is right. As her past unfolds about her time as a Jewish student in France during the Nazi occupation, the well-meaning grandmother begins to show her grandson how the world hasn’t changed much when it comes to bullies and the treatment of those on the outer edge of society. As a young girl, Sara (Ariella Glaser) suddenly becomes reliant on Julien Beaumier (Orlando Schwerdt), who has been affected by polio. Still, she does all he can to save her life. As their friendship grows and the Nazi's stranglehold on their French community gets tighter, the pair must determine what they can do to save Sara’s life and keep the secret of her hiding place in his family’s barn.
Director Marc Forster (A Man Called Otto) and screenwriter Mark Bomback (The Art of Racing in the Rain) do a beautiful job adapting R. J. Palacio’s story for the big screen. Helen Mirren compliments the outstanding performances from the outstanding young cast of Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt. This endearingly tragic tale of World War Two proves that more stories are to be told from this era. What begins as a school crush turns into a heartwarming journey through the human condition and how we should never underestimate the impact everyone has to offer others in life. There are extraordinary events that occur that may stretch the believability of this unexpected gem. Still, the overall experience should be discovered by audiences around the world.
White Bird is a production that may suffer from modern news events. Still, viewers will be rewarded for discovering this marvellous friendship, survival, sacrifice and love story. A film for families to search out, enjoy together and discuss how this historical narrative impacts us all.
REEL DIALOGUE: Let’s talk about disabilities
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14
In the times of the Nazis and even in some cultures today, someone like Julien Beaumier would be sent away and never seen again. Due to their disabilities, they would have been considered to have no value to add to society. This story shows how this young man had something to offer the world despite his physical limitations.
One element of Jesus's teachings that reflected the words of Psalm 139 shows that God values each and every one of us.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31
Jesus is saying that God does care about his creation, but more importantly, he cares about each person on earth. Each man and woman has value. Even though God knows every sparrow and where it falls, mankind's value exceeds the sparrows. God cares so much about humanity that he knows the numbers of each of our hairs and has provided a means to spend eternity with him through his Son.
This all means that regardless of your life experience or situation, you are valued by God.
